In music, artists like Taylor Swift, Kanye West, and Justin Bieber have all referenced age gaps in their songs, often romanticizing the idea of an older partner. Similarly, in film and television, movies like "The Graduate" and TV shows like "The OC" have made age gaps a central theme, often exploring the complexities and challenges that come with such relationships.
However, as media literacy and audience sophistication have grown, the narrative has begun to crack. Contemporary content is increasingly forced to grapple with the uncomfortable mathematics of the "half his age" equation. When a 50-year-old protagonist pursues a 25-year-old partner, modern audiences are less likely to see romance and more likely to see a power imbalance.
In modern entertainment and media, the "half his age" narrative is most prominently associated with Jennette McCurdy’s 2026 debut novel, Half His Age
Critics also point out that "half his age" entertainment frequently glamorizes unequal relationships, where the older partner may hold more power, influence, or economic stability. This can be particularly concerning when the younger partner is still in their teens or early twenties, and may be more vulnerable to manipulation or exploitation.
This fictional debut from the author of I’m Glad My Mom Died follows 17-year-old Waldo as she enters a relationship with her 40-year-old teacher, Mr. Korgy.
In popular culture, "half his age" is frequently linked to a dating formula used to determine the "socially acceptable" minimum age of a partner.
